Ridgid is a pretty good name in the inspection camera market. I don’t know much about their CA25 inspection camera, it looks pretty decent on paper.
This camera features a 2.4″ LCD display, 17mm diameter IP67-rated waterproof camera head, 4 adjustable brightness LEDs, and a 3-foot gooseneck-style camera extension.
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The user interface includes 180° image rotation and camera head LED brightness control buttons.
This is a simple digital inspection camera/borescope for users who don’t need advanced features such as image recording or wireless display functionality.
It’s powered by 4 AA batteries and comes with a blow molded plastic case and a few camera head attachments (hook, magnet, mirror).
Pricing is ~$125-155 and up via most suppliers, but Home Depot now has it for $99.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Compare(via Amazon)
More Info(via Ridgid)
Update: The port on the side is for video output. An RCA cable adapter is included with the camera. Resolution of the 2.4″ LCD display is 480 x 234 px.
Steveisajerk
Harbor Freight has it for $69.99 with coupon 97897841.
Stuart
The HF model isn’t the same and doesn’t look to be waterproof. It also doesn’t come with a case and has 2 LEDs vs the Ridgid’s 4.
The Ridgid’s waterproof rating means it can be used in drains, toilets, and pipes and then cleaned with soap and water.
There are plenty of generic inspection cameras, such as this one from Amazon, but I would place more trust in the quality of a Ridgid unit more than the “Solar Eclipse” model from Amazon and Cen-Tech one from Harbor Freight.
Steveisajerk
I have the HF model and it comes with a blow molded plastic case and the same camera head attachments (hook, magnet, mirror). It also includes a video out cord and port so you can put it on a bigger screen. When you put the camera in a tight spot you will turn the brightness down on the two LEDs (which it does) not be wanting for more. From the manual “The imager head and its cover are waterproof, but not acid-proof or fireproof.”
Hang Fire
What is the camera resolution? The display resolution?
I see a flap on the side, is that for a video out? Digital or Analog/Composite? Or is just for power or something else?
Stuart
Resolution is 480 x 234 px for the display. There is no built-in image capture functionality.
The flap on the side is for the video output connection, for users that might have an RCA-compatible external display or recording device.
Hang Fire
Thanks! I did try to track that down but the HD page wasn’t helping.
Stuart
You’re welcome! It’s good info to know, so I added it into the post as well.
Steveisajerk
If you think ANY of these cameras are made in different factories take a look at the re-branded goods sold by Radio Shack.
Jerry
I always said when these get ‘cheap’ I was going to get one. Do you think we reached the point to where a decent one won’t get much cheaper, or are prices still dropping?
Stuart
The Craftsman one might also be worth watching. It was $70 for a short time, and is usually $90. Regular price is $100.
Certain tools like these will never really drop in price. If costs drop enough, better features are added to the next model in order to maintain certain pricing levels. That’s kind of what they do with TVs, computers, and cars.
I don’t think we’re going to see brand name inspection cameras with higher level features, such as the ability to save images and video to memory, at the $100 price level anytime soon.